The German Steel and Metal Processing Association (WSM) has once again reported a decline in production in the sector for October 2025. The production index fell by 1.2% compared to September. Looking at the period from January to October 2025, this results in a decline of 1.6%.
In a year-on-year comparison, the picture is somewhat more favorable: Compared to October 2024, production increased by 1.9%. According to the association, this is an initial, cautious positive signal. However, it is not enough to speak of a trend reversal.
Competitiveness as the central adjusting screw
WSM Managing Director Christian Vietmeyer sees the figures as a clear call to politicians to noticeably improve the framework conditions for the industry. The association believes that targeted reforms could help to strengthen Germany's competitiveness and lay the foundations for an economic recovery from 2026.
The association emphasizes that companies in the steel and metal processing industry are generally willing to invest, secure jobs and drive innovation. However, the prerequisites for this are competitive energy prices, sustainable labor costs, reliable tax and duty structures and practicable regulatory requirements.
Creating reliable location conditions
According to the WSM, medium-sized industrial companies in particular are dependent on reliable location conditions. Without an economically efficient steel and metal processing industry, there would be no basis for value creation, employment and investment. The WSM therefore believes that competitiveness is a fundamental prerequisite for the stability of Germany as an industrial location.